Fr. Matthew Despard: Further Developments

Thanks to “The Witness” blog for keeping us in the loop regarding Fr. Matthew Despard and his book Priesthood in Crisis. Here’s “breaking news” from The Witness:

The Scotsman reports that Pope Francis intends to move with rigor in investigating the ongoing sexual decadence amongst priests and hierarchy in Scotland. Marc Cardinal Oullet, has informed the Scottish bishops that there will be no further appointment of Scottish bishops until Rome has completed its investigation into the sexual crimes of Keith Cardinal O' Brien. 

Not only that, but the Vatican also wants an investigation into the allegations made by Fr. Despard in his book regarding a “gay mafia” in Scotland.

This can only be good for the Church, despite the pain that will inevitably result along the way.  We need good, strong, holy bishops. Much is required of them. As St. Paul wrote to Titus (my emphases):

For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled, holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.  (Titus 1:7-9)

It’s time we started to hold our bishops accountable to this standard set by St. Paul. Sure, they are human, and they need our prayers, and they will fall. But let’s expect more of them. God does.

See also "Scotland's Gay Mafia"